I don’t typically agree with the best seller list, but there are
always exceptions, such as Sheryl Sandberg’s book, “Lean In: Women,
Work, and the Will to Lead.”
Written mostly for women who choose to work outside the home, it also insightful for their families, bosses and co-workers.

According to Sandberg,
“the blunt truth is that men still run the world,” despite the fact that
women have made up at least 50 percent of college graduates since the
early 1980s. She states that: 1) of the 195 independent countries in the
world, only 17 are lead by women; 2) only 21 of the Fortune 500 CEOS
are women (including Sandburg who went from Google to Facebook); and 3)
that women hold 14 percent of executive officer positions, 17 percent of
board seats and only 18 percent of congress. Women have outpaced men in
education, but are ceasing to make any real progress in the top of the
industry. We are not breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling.

I found Sandberg’s book
refreshing because instead of playing the blame game, Sandberg gave an
honest look at the issue and made some excellent points. I agree with
her that although there are many factors involved, the simple truth is
that choice is a factor in those statistics that shouldn’t be ignored.

This isn’t surprising to
anyone. Women have been able to embrace many choices in my lifetime.
Many women have chosen not to work outside the home, but many have also
just gotten tired of fighting it, so they have given up their work
dreams either literally or by backing off.

If you are one of the
latter, or if you are a woman new to the working field with big dreams,
or if you are related to such a woman or work with one, I urge you to
read the book and learn some tips from a woman who is right there.

The main tips? Lean in
(actually sit down at the table and share your opinions). Find a mentor
(many factors make this hard for women). Make sure your partner is a
real partner; understand the “myth of doing it all.” (For example,
family chores are “family” chores). Finally, talk about it: “We cannot
change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we cannot help
but change.”

We do none of us any good
by not being honest about what we women face in the working world and
at home. Sandberg does a good job of challenging women on our own
ambition gaps, while giving tips on how to navigate the business world.
She also makes a good point about why boards and businesses will be more
profitable with more women.

Sandberg’s book
reenergizes an important discussion. So, I hope you’ll turn off your non
e-reader electronic devices and join me in reading this gem of a book.
You might just change the life of a working woman you know.

2017 Favorites!

Perhaps a little heavy for a blissful holiday weekend, but here in America don't we owe our memories to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for us? And how best to revere them than by sitting down with a little book that packs a punch ...

I completely support and respect this. Whether you love Bush or weren't a fan, as an American you owe it to these wounded warriors to hear their stories that he is telling. Bravo all of you, and Thank You for everything you've done for m...

So wonderful. I love you even more now, Trevor Noah, especially because you made your mom the star. A must read. And I picked up an excellent parenting tip that totally works. (No spoiler here-it's the Write me a letter argument, love it...

Very interesting. Not explainable. Not for the faint of heart.
***I think I finally have just a few words for this book. It is to be visited and revisited. I'm a huge fan of audio and much of the time will both listen and read a book. W...

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A Note on Ratings

You will notice that I have a number of high ratings for my 20-- Favorites list. I do really enjoy books. I also believe we are all a little stingy with our ratings. It is very hard to write a good book! So if a book is well written, resonates with me, and has a satisfying ending (not meaning happy but right), then I rate the book a 5 star rating. If I loved the book, but it was missing one of these, then I rate it a 4. Enjoyed the book but found some real literary flaws, a 3, OR just found the book ok, even if well written, also a 3. In other words, if I only come across one 5 star a year, heavens I'll just have to find another hobby. Take care with your ratings, and, PLEASE, go ahead and give a 5 if it meets all your standards. It's ok to love that book, even if it is not the very very very best book ever! Then again, if you have a negative reaction to it, share your opinion, you are entitled. And that's all I have to say about that.